Estate Planning and Durable Power of Attorney

Estate Planning and Durable Power of Attorney mznnp
2017-01-11T14:01:14+00:00

Estate Planning and Durable Power of Attorney

In addition to planning for your estate once you pass away, it is important to plan for decisions that may need to be made if you are otherwise incapacitated. Too often we focus on what happens after we pass away instead of takingtime to consider our care while we are still alive. Family members find themselves having to make decisions regarding a loved one’s wellbeing without a clear idea what his or her wants or wishes are regarding end of life care.

The creation of a power of attorney, otherwise known as a health care proxy, ensures your wishes are protected while providingpiece of mind to your family members. The person who is designated as the power of attorney for you will handle decisions related to your medical treatment and personal care when you are incapacitated. He or she will also make decisions related to organ donation once you pass away.

Understanding Durable Power of Attorney

Anyone over the age of 18 is able to appoint a power of attorney. The document will outline all of your wishes and will designate a person to serve in that role. He or she will be known as your patient advocate. The person acting as your advocate will need to accept the responsibility by signing the document you have drawn up. The document allows you the flexible to give the person power over decisions related to both your mental and physical health.

When you sit down with our team at Grewal Law, we will go over with you all the choices you can outline within the document. The options outlined for the patient advocate are based on your wants and can be as detailed as you see fit. These wishes may include whether or not you want to be resuscitated after going into cardiac arrest or if you want to receive a feeding tube to provide nourishment. You have the power to designate what decisions the patient advocate will have over your care.

Every person views medical care differently and may want different care provided at the end of his or her life. Do not leave your family with having to make these tough decisions on their own. Take time to have a durable power of attorney document drafted to make these choices simple for your loved ones. In addition, drafting the document will keep your fate from being placed in the hands of a guardian appointed by the probate court.

Plan for Your Care Now

The Lansing, Okemos and East Lansing medical planning attorneys at Grewal Law PLLC are ready to assist you with the drafting of documents related to durable power of attorney. Make sure you receive the care you want at the end of your life by having a patient advocate designated for you. We are ready to assist you throughout the entire legal process needed to create a durable power of attorney. Additionally, we